The large koinobori streamers are flying high in the air again this year with cheers from the children.
Currently, the children’s interests are in the growth of the soybeans planted during Setsubun and the loquat fruit that made an unexpected appearance. Both plants seem to have been encouraged by the children’s cheers – the soybeans now have pods and the children ate the ripe yellow loquats.
Children’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Sports Day are all coming up. Everyone is excited and looking forward to the events

- Celebrate Children’s Day (Kodomo no Hi) by watching picture-story shows and trying Kashiwa-mochi, the special rice cake for this event.
- Nurture an appreciation for our mothers through creating presents, and celebrate Mother’s Day together.
- Observe the plants, vegetables and small creatures in the garden closely and learn more about them in our library.
- Exercise well and prepare for Sports Day, and enjoy the event together with family members and classmates.

You might have noticed big carp banners (Koinobori) in our garden. Do you know why people put the carp banners high up in the sky for the Children’s Day? This custom came from a Chinese folktale. Once upon a time, there was a huge waterfall in China, and it was said that anyone who swam up the waterfall would be turned into a dragon. Many fish tried, but fell into the basin. But one day, a carp tried and tried, and finally went up to the top of the waterfall. He was then turned into a dragon. A carp became a symbol of a tough, strong, and healthy boy, and people started to put carp-shaped banners up in the sky for Children’s Day.

The second Sunday of May is Mother’s Day – all mothers in different countries and of different ages equally enjoy this day. This is the day when the young and energetic mothers at Kodomo no Ie will receive our children’s hand-made presents with their heart full of gratitude. I’m sure you yourself have something important to give your children; something that you would like to pass down. I hope you give this precious treasure to your children with confidence. Happy Mother’s Day!